Some Resources

21 July 2016

It's now been 6 years since the breakdown - and forever since I wrote in this journal. Since my last entry life is - well, fairly good. My energy has come back, I'm able to (usually) stay focused, I don't have to nap as much, and I seem to cope with life (and even those daunting episodes which can sometimes plague all of us) successfully.

Here's a quick list of activities I engage in weekly and that have helped me to cope:

1. Exercise Daily (in my case, lifting light weights; 7 different exercises, 60 reps of each)
Why: it releases serotonin / endorphins and just makes me feel better. I feel stronger, lighter (by God I've lost 10 lbs since starting this 18 months ago), and ready to climb mountains. Not bad for a guy who turned 60 this year.

2. Choir (I sing in a church choir and have since a year following the breakdown)
Why: I've always enjoyed singing but it's more than that. It lifts my spirits. It 'forces' me to go to rehearsal and Church every week. I meet people, get out of the house, and get away from thoughts which can still drive me somewhat nuts.

3. Self-help Group (I joined a Self Help group based on 12 step principles).
Why: this is an amazing group of people. We share the day. We share the week. I'm able to off-load issues bothering me with people who have been there, in complete confidence.

4. Counselling (I see a Trauma Counsellor Once a Month)
Why: even though 6 years have passed since the breakdown I know I can go through an unexpected bad patch. Issues which can seem mundane by everyone else can easily overwhelm me. Continued counselling is the maintenance I need to continue to survive my breakdown.

5. Walking / Gardening
Why: I try my best to do a lot of this. It gets me outside. If I feel crummy, it lifts my spirits. I see nature. I hear birds and the sea. I feel the wind in my hair and heart. It does a power of good.

As I encounter other activities that help me cope I'll post them here. If you're surviving a breakdown I wish you so much luck and goodwill. Remember: I've survived now for 6 years. If I can do it I promise you, you can too.

My very best